[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 145 (1999), Part 21]
[Senate]
[Page 31063]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



                     ROMANIAN CHAIRMANSHIP OF OSCE

  Ms. LANDRIEU. Mr. President, as we attempt to conclude our business 
for this session of Congress, I wanted to mention an important decision 
that has just occurred in Istanbul. Mr. President, as you know, Turkey 
is hosting the annual summit of the Organization for Security and 
Cooperation in Europe (OSCE). Our President was in attendance, and from 
reports, this summit has been a robust forum for debate.
  Given recent history, it is impossible to overstate the importance 
that the OSCE might play in maintaining Europe's peace and stability. 
It is the only forum available where all the nations of Europe meet to 
discuss European concerns. Clearly, the status of European Security is 
more fluid at this time then at any other in the last 40 years. 
Therefore, one of the very important decisions that the OSCE must make 
at the Istanbul Summit, is who will chair the OSCE in 2001.
  I am very pleased to announce that the OSCE has chosen the nation of 
Romania to undertake this important leadership role. The United States 
and several leading European nations had advanced Romania's candidacy, 
and I believe that the OSCE has made a very wise choice. Romania's 
value as OSCE chair derives from a number of factors. First, Romania's 
geostrategic position places it in the heart of the region where 
stability is needed most. Despite lying at the crossroads of the 
Balkans, the Caucasus, and European Russia, Romania has managed to 
maintain excellent relations with all the parties. The OSCE desperately 
needs leadership that understands the problems of this region, while 
having no vested interest in any particular outcome. That is the sort 
of leadership that only Romania can bring to the table. Second, Romania 
is a role model for other Balkan nations. The economic and political 
reforms that Romania has undertaken, have not come easy--but that is 
part of her attraction to the other nations of the region. Romania's 
experience demonstrates that if willing to make the necessary 
sacrifices, democracy and a liberalized economy are within reach. 
Finally, Romania has a strong tradition of cooperation with this 
nation. Our friendship has been formalized through the 1997 Strategic 
Partnership, as well as Romania's vigorous participation in the 
Partnership for Peace.
  Mr. President, Romanian chairmanship is a very positive harbinger for 
the future of Europe, and for the future of the Balkan Region. I 
congratulate the OSCE for their excellent choice. I wish Romania's 
leadership the very best wishes upon assuming this very weighty 
responsibility. We look forward to another session of productive 
dialogue and meaningful diplomacy upon their accession to the 
chairmanship.

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